Gabriel M. Vonleh, president and CEO of Opportunities for Inclusion (OFI), died suddenly and unexpectedly on Dec. 10 due to medical complications after a short illness, according to the nonprofit’s website. A resident of Sharon, MA, Vonleh was 59 years old.
The Waltham organization serves individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, frail elders, and their families. Under Vonleh’s tenure, OFI worked with Waltham officials to develop two group homes for adults with special needs. A ribbon-cutting for the first of the group homes was held on Nov. 27. A second home is currently being designed.
“The Arc of Massachusetts and our Chapter Affiliates are heartbroken about the loss of our extraordinary colleague and friend, Gabriel Vonleh,” said The Arc of Massachusetts CEO Maura Sullivan. “Gabe was a compassionate and strong CEO of Opportunities for Inclusion. Gabe worked diligently to expand access to meaningful and innovative supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
Vonleh is survived by his wife, Carine M. Vonleh; children Bianca Vonleh, Jordan K. Vonleh, Gabriel M. Vonleh II and Jhovani K. Vonleh; siblings Samuel Vonleh Jr., Comfort Dolo, Cynthia Fort and Martha Larkpor; and grandchildren Caielle and Phoenix. He leaves behind extended family and friends in the United States and Liberia.
Opportunities for Inclusion’s board of directors has appointed Mark Beaumont as interim CEO. Beaumont has been with Opportunities for Inclusion for about three years, serving as executive director of operations and personnel.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visitation in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, 1548 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 9 to 11 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree. Additional details are available here.